Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Travel Guide: Wrigley Field & Wrigleyville

Getting to Chicago & The Ballpark

• Flying In: Chicago has two massive commercial hubs. O'Hare (ORD) is heavily serviced by United and American, located about 10 miles from Wrigley. Midway (MDW) is a massive Southwest hub, located about 18 miles from the park.

• Airport Transit: Both airports are connected directly to the "L" train system. The ride from O'Hare to Wrigley takes a little over an hour and costs only $5. The ride from Midway takes about 45 minutes for the same price. Rideshares are faster but significantly more expensive depending on traffic.

• Traveling by Train: If you are coming from the Midwest, taking Amtrak to Union Station is a fantastic option. It is a massive, airport-like transit hub located just 6 miles from Wrigley Field.

• Public Transit to the Game: The CTA is your best friend. Take the Red Line "L" train to the Addison Station, which drops you mere steps from the Wrigley Marquee. CTA buses (like the #22 Clark) are also great, low-cost options that drop you right in Wrigleyville.

• Parking: Because Wrigley Field sits directly in a dense residential neighborhood, parking is incredibly challenging and expensive. Driving yourself to the stadium is highly discouraged.

Where to Stay

You have two main strategies when visiting Chicago for a game: stay right in the chaotic, fun atmosphere of Wrigleyville, or stay downtown (The Loop/River North) for sight-seeing and take the train to the game.

Budget Options

• The Majestic Hotel: A unique boutique hotel located in a quiet residential area of Wrigleyville, just a half-mile walk to the stadium. It leans heavily into baseball nostalgia, featuring a lobby packed with classic Cubs memorabilia, old bats, and historic photos. It offers a cozy fireplace, fresh-baked cookies, and free access to a nearby gym. It is the perfect spot if you want to be close to the game without spending a fortune.

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown West Loop: If you prefer to stay downtown, this is an excellent, straightforward option. Located near the Riverwalk and Union Station, this all-suite hotel is perfect for families looking to save money. It features full kitchens, pull-out sofas, free hot breakfast, and a weekday evening social with complimentary snacks and drinks.

Higher-End Options

• Hotel Zachary: This 4-star boutique hotel sits directly across the street from Wrigley Field. It is the absolute premier destination for a baseball-focused weekend. Many rooms offer direct views into the ballpark, and the ground floor is packed with excellent dining options and a sleek second-floor cocktail bar. It perfectly blends modern luxury with classic Chicago history.

• Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel: If you want luxury in the heart of downtown, this architectural landmark is stunning. Located near Millennium Park and Navy Pier, it features a massive fitness track, an indoor lap pool, and a sprawling outdoor terrace with fire pits. You will have to take a 15-minute rideshare or train ride to Wrigley, but the upscale city amenities make the commute worth it.

Pregame Food and Drink

Wrigleyville is arguably the most famous pregame neighborhood in American sports.

• The Classics: The Cubby Bear (located right across from the stadium marquee) opens at 11 AM on game days and features live music and massive crowds. Murphy's Bleachers (behind the outfield walls) has been open for 80 years, is packed with memorabilia, and is the ultimate spot to take in Cubs history.

• High Energy & Games: Sluggers is a massive, chaotic sports bar featuring over 30 TVs, indoor batting cages, dueling pianos, and arcade games.

• The Food: You cannot visit Chicago without getting deep dish. Dimo's Pizza is a few blocks south and offers unique slices (including steak and fries or s'mores pizza). For a faster, classic Chicago bite, hit up Al's Beef for overstuffed Italian beef sandwiches and hot dogs.

• Upscale Pregame: If you want craft cocktails and New American cuisine away from the rowdy dive bars, visit Mordecai inside Hotel Zachary.

Where to Sit at Wrigley Field

Because Wrigley is an incredibly old, compact stadium, you are generally right on top of the action.

• The Bleacher Experience: You must sit in the General Admission bleachers at least once. It is a legendary, rowdy, and entirely unique way to watch a game. Buy a GA ticket, arrive early to claim your spot (the left-field side is notoriously louder), and try to catch a home run during batting practice.

• The Best Views: Look for seats in the 100-level sections, specifically row 10 and higher. This elevates you above the main foot traffic on the concourse walkways so your view won't be blocked by people walking by.

• Away Fans: If you are cheering for the visiting team, look for sections 23-26 or the field boxes right above them (124-127). These put you directly behind the visitor's dugout on the first-base side.

• The Rooftops: For a completely different experience, buy a ticket to one of the official Wrigley Rooftops across the street. The view of the field isn't perfect, but the tickets include all-you-can-eat food and all-you-can-drink beer, making it a massive, incredibly fun party.